Local EventsThe River Cities' Reader Online - Updated daily local media website and bi-weekly newspaper that covers the Arts, Business, Culture and Politics of the Quad Cities' area.http://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/local-events/
Sun, 02 Aug 2015 22:25:21 +0000Joomla! 1.5 - Open Source Content Managementen-gbLIVING LANDS & WATERS HOSTS LOCAL VIEWING PARTY AND CELEBRATION FOR THE AIRING OF CNN HEROES: AN ALL STAR TRIBUTE.http://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/living-lands-a-waters-hosts-local-viewing-party-and-celebration-for-the-airing-of-cnn-heroes-an-all-star-tribute/
http://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/living-lands-a-waters-hosts-local-viewing-party-and-celebration-for-the-airing-of-cnn-heroes-an-all-star-tribute/East Moline, IL/November 26, 2013 - On Sunday, December 1, 2013 Living Lands & Waters will host a viewing party for the airing of CNN Heroes: An All Star Tribute at the Quad Cities Waterfront Convention Center located at 2021 State Street in Bettendorf, IA. The doors will open at 6pm and the show will air at 7pm. Chad Pregracke, the 2013 CNN Hero of the Year, will give a special thanks to those in attendance at 6:30pm. This event is open to the public and seating is limited. Please arrive early to ensure a seat!

Pregracke has dedicated his life to cleaning up the Mississippi River and other American waterways. Since 1998, nearly 70,000 volunteers have helped Pregracke and his non-profit remove more than 7 million pounds of garbage from 23 rivers across the country.

On, Tuesday, November 19th, stars of film, television, music and theater came to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City on Tuesday night to pay tribute to the Top 10 CNN Heroes of 2013 and congratulate CNN Hero of the Year Chad Pregracke of East Moline, Illinois, whose selection was announced by Anderson Cooper, host of the seventh Annual CNN Heroes: An All Star Tribute. The Tribute will air on Sunday, December 1st at 7pm CST.

Earlier in the evening, Jason Biggs, one of the stars of 'Orange is the New Black' presented Pregracke with an award as one of the Top 10 CNN Heroes of 2013. Each of the Top 10 CNN Heroes received $50,000 in recognition of their work, and Pregracke's nonprofit, Living Lands and Waters, will receive an additional $250,000 grant.

Contributing their talents to the festive night were pop singer Sarah Bareilles, who performed a touching rendition of her current hit “Brave,” and stand-up comedian Jim Gaffigan. Another highlight of the evening was a performance by members of CNN Hero Tawanda Jones’ girls drill team, Camden Sophisticated Sisters, to Beyonce’s "Get Me Bodied."

CNN Heroes is a multi-platform campaign that shines a spotlight on individuals who go to extraordinary lengths to serve others. Since its inception, CNN Heroes has received over 50,000 submissions from more than 100 countries and profiled over 200 heroes.

About Living Lands & Waters and Chad Pregracke

Chad Pregracke started Living Lands & Waters in 1998 as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the beautification and restoration of America’s major rivers and to the education of people about environmental issues. From his single boat beginning, LL&W has grown to an internationally known organization with a fleet of barges and workboats. LL&W engages thousands of volunteers each year in river cleanups, hands-on environmental education workshops, the Great Mississippi River Cleanup, Adopt-a-River-Mile programs and the Million Trees Project.

Experience the magic of the most loved holiday tradition in the Quad Cities from November 23-December 1. Quad City Arts Festival of Trees, entering its 27th year, is one of the top 10 events of its kind in the country with something for everyone at the RiverCenter in Davenport. www.quadcityarts.com

Bucktown Final Black Friday Party

Finish off your Black Friday shopping by shopping at Bucktown Center for the Arts in Davenport. It's Small Wonders' 10th Anniversary Celebration with food, cocktails, and fun. Plus, extra discounts on home and office décor and gifts in the Boho Chic Gallery, 50 paintings for $50 each in the Atom Studio plus specials in select galleries. Come and find unique gift ideas throughout the galleries from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, November 29th. www.bucktownarts.com

Julmarknad Swedish Christmas Market

This annual Swedish Christmas Market takes place in the historic village of Bishop Hill on Nov. 29-Dec. 1 and Dec. 7-8 and is reminiscent of medieval Scandinavian markets. Seasonal Swedish folk characters roam the village and there is music and Swedish food specialties. Enjoy the Christmas Chocolate Walk at the Steeple Building. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. www.bishophill.com

Live Music - Family Groove Company

Family Groove Company is a four piece band from Chicago that is turning heads and catching ears with a sound that is uncannily fresh, and live performances that simply envelop audiences in the fun, excitement and passion that the band radiates from the stage.See them on Friday, November 29th at the River Music Experience in Davenport. Doors 8 p.m.; Show 9 p.m.; Tickets $12. www.rivermusicexperience.org

Christmas Craft Show

The annual Christmas Craft Show at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island, Illinois, is just what Santa ordered. Opening the day after Thanksgiving on Nov. 29-Dec. 1, enjoy shopping hundreds of hand-crafted items from over 180 different exhibitors. Hours: Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $4.00, children 12 and under free. www.qccaexpocenter.com

Christmas Walk

Enjoy the historic buildings beautifully decorated at the Walnut Grove Pioneer Village on Sunday, December 1st from 1-5 p.m. Visit with Santa Claus and enjoy make & take crafts, refreshments, and much more. Admission is free! Walnut Grove in the Scott County Park in Long Grove, Iowa, was a Scott County crossroads settlement and stagecoach stop in the 1860s. www.scottcountyiowa.com

The annual Winterfest Event at the Family Museum, 2900 Learning Campus Dr. in Bettendorf, Iowa, takes place on Sunday, Dec. 1 from 12-5 p.m. There will be a host of joyful family activities for everyone again this year including music, dancing by the Family Museum Dancers, refreshments, fun activities, and a visit from Santa later in the afternoon. Visitors can view a 300-square-foot Polar Express train set, toys from the Museum's Buddy "L" collection, and the animated figurines from the Petersen Harden Von Maur store, first displayed in the late 1960's. The figurines will be on display until after New Year's. Admission to the event and Museum gallery is FREE with the donation of a non-perishable food item or personal hygiene item to be distributed locally. www.familymuseum.org

Zither Winter Concert

Enjoy the soothing sounds of the season at the annual holiday concert by the Davenport Zither ensemble on Sunday, December 1st at 2 p.m. at the German American Heritage Center, 712 W. 2nd Street in Davenport, Iowa.www.gahc.org

Holiday Open House

The Quad City Botanical Center, 2525 4th Ave. in Rock Island, Ill., hosts a FREE Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 1st from 12-3 p.m. Plan to enjoy the traditional holiday display in the lobby or kick off your shoes and put your toes in the sand in the lush tropical sun garden, under the glow of the holiday coconut palm! Holiday Goodies, Coffee, and Gourmet Hot Cocoa will be available! Be on the look-out for a visit from Santa and the Greenhouse Grinch. Family craft activities and ornament making will be available during the event. Enjoy the lighted palm tree until January 1, and the Tropical Sandbox until February 28. www.qcgardens.com

Jim McDonough Holiday Grande

Celebrate the holiday season in style by attending "Holiday Grande 2013" on Sunday, December 1st at 2:30 p.m. at the Adler Theatre in Davenport. This elegant, all-new stage production features International Steinway Artist, Jim McDonough, joined by his 14-piece professional orchestra and a cast of sensational singers and dancers performing your favorite Christmas music and other all-time favorites. www.adlertheatre.com

]]>rick@rcreader.com (QCCVB)Local EventsMon, 25 Nov 2013 15:53:08 +0000Loebsack to host ‘Holiday Mail for Heroes’ card writing event in Clintonhttp://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/loebsack-to-host-holiday-mail-for-heroes-card-writing-event-in-clinton/
http://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/loebsack-to-host-holiday-mail-for-heroes-card-writing-event-in-clinton/Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that he will join employees at the Clinton Hy-Vee on MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25th to write Holiday cards to our troops serving overseas. Cards will be provided at the event and then distributed through the Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program. The public is invited to stop by and give our troops a “touch of home” for the Holiday season. This is the second year in a row that Loebsack has teamed with Hy-Vee to provide cards through this program. Click here for additional information about Holiday Mail for Heroes. Media are invited to attend.

Holiday Mail for Heroes Event – Monday, Nov 25th

Hy-Vee

901 S 4th St

Clinton

2:00pm – 3:00pm

(Signs in the store will direct customers to the location)

###]]>rick@rcreader.com (Joe Hand)Local EventsFri, 22 Nov 2013 22:00:19 +0000November 24th - 25th - “Give Anything” – For Victims of the Washington, IL Tornadoeshttp://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/november-24th-25th-give-anything--for-victims-of-the-washington-il-tornadoes/
http://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/november-24th-25th-give-anything--for-victims-of-the-washington-il-tornadoes/ First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire (across from Bridgeview Elementary School) is hosting two "Give Anything" events, Sunday, Nov. 24th from 12-2 PM and Monday, Nov. 25th, from 7:45-8:45 AM. We are partnering with the American Red Cross of the Quad Cities to collect needed items and to raise monetary donations. Checks should be made out to: American Red Cross of the Quad Cities, with "Washington, IL Tornado Recovery" noted in the memo. Donations can also be made via: http://www.redcross.org/il/moline Please bring any items for the victims of the tornadoes, such as diapers and socks, etc., to the First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire on Sunday, November 24th from 12-2 PM. Any unneeded items will be relocated to another church or charity within in Quad City area. Every donation will make a difference!]]>rick@rcreader.com (LeClaire Chamber of Commerce)Local EventsFri, 22 Nov 2013 19:47:45 +0000LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Announcements - 11/22/2013http://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/leclaire-chamber-of-commerce-announcements-11222013/
http://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/leclaire-chamber-of-commerce-announcements-11222013/ANNOUNCEMENTS - Friday 11/22/2013

November 30th – Shop Small Business Saturday!Remember our unique and wonderful local businesses, restaurants and services! Thank you for shopping locally!

Strolling Santas and Characters needed for Christmas in LeClaire! Santas and characters from Around the World welcome children and the young at heart to Christmas in LeClaire, December 6, 7 and 8! Male and female volunteers are needed for all 3 days and for 2 evenings. Please contact Kim DeWall at kimberleedewall@gmail.com for dates and times!

LeClaire businesses, attractions, churches, clubs, and LeClaire Chamber members: Would you like an opportunity to promote your business or group during the holiday season? For $15 you can display a decorated Christmas tree or decorated wreath at the LeClaire Information Center (LIC). Here are the guidelines for your tree or wreath: 1) size of tree should be 3 ft. or smaller; wreath should be normal door size or smaller; 2) we will allow up to six small decorated trees and six decorated wreaths; 3) design/decorations are subject to Tourism Board's approval; 4) you can put the name of your business/group somewhere on the tree or wreath; 5) your business/group will be thanked publicly in the Chamber Friday email and on the Tourism Facebook page for having provided decorations at the LIC; 6) proceeds will go to the Christmas in LeClaire committee. DEADLINES: If you reserved your spot, remember to drop off your decorated tree or wreath with payment to the LeClaire Information Center no later than Tuesday, November 26th at 3:00pm. Contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963 for more info!

Enjoy extended shopping hours until 8pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at many LeClaire stores starting Friday, November 29th and going until Saturday, December 21st. And, many stores will be open until at least 3pm on Christmas Eve for that last minute gift or stocking stuffer!

Valley Bank 2102 Spruce Hills Dr., Bettendorf, IA 52722 – 563-344-8960 At Valley Bank, we are committed to making a meaningful and positive contribution to the communities in which we are located. This community spirit and involvement has been at the root of Valley Bank since its founding in 1993 and continues today in the 18 communities that we serve. www.valleybank.com

CALENDAR

November 22nd & 23rd - Enright’s LeClaire Super Car Wash – Annual Holiday Promotion This weekend, offering $2.00 Automatic Car Washes or a Free Wash with purchase of tokens. This event kicks off our “Holiday Token Sale”, now through January 12th. 8 tokens for $30. Each token has a value of $6.50. Tokens Make Great Gifts! Stock up for Winter!

November 22nd & 23rd - Mississippi Cottage Antiques and Fine Art's "Beat the Holiday Rush" Two-day Sale! Spend $50 - $99 and receive 12% off. Spend $100 or more and receive 15% off. These discounts are good on everything except paintings and quilts that are on consignment. http://www.mississippicottageantiques.net/

November 23rd – Faithful Pilot Cooking Class! Chef Robert will be doing a cooking class once a month! Class is at noon and cost is $20.00, and you receive a complimentary glass of wine with the class! Call 563-289-4156 for more information.

November 23rd - River Valley Optimist Club Trivia Night - LeClaire Civic Center Gather your friends together, bring some snacks and drinks and come for a little friendly competition! Doors open at 6:30pm and trivia will start at 7pm. Cost is $10 per person with a $50 minimum per table (up to 8 people per table). All proceeds will go towards the River Valley Optimist Club and programs for children in the community. 50/50 raffle, Mulligans and door prizes. Call Josselyn Smith at 563-723-1877 or email josselyn.e.smith@gmail.com for you table Reservation.

November 24th - 25th - “Give Anything” – For Victims of the Washington, IL Tornadoes - First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire (across from Bridgeview Elementary School) is hosting two "Give Anything" events, Sunday, Nov. 24th from 12-2 PM and Monday, Nov. 25th, from 7:45-8:45 AM. We are partnering with the American Red Cross of the Quad Cities to collect needed items and to raise monetary donations. Checks should be made out to: American Red Cross of the Quad Cities, with "Washington, IL Tornado Recovery" noted in the memo. Donations can also be made via: http://www.redcross.org/il/moline Please bring any items for the victims of the tornadoes, such as diapers and socks, etc., to the First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire on Sunday, November 24th from 12-2 PM. Any unneeded items will be relocated to another church or charity within in Quad City area. Every donation will make a difference!

First Saturday in LeClaire! Many businesses celebrating first Saturday in the tradition of First Friday!

Sunday – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Free Trolley Rides – noon – 5 pm

Strolling Santas from Around the World!

Reusable Useables - Free Family Drop-in Art – 10 am -4 pm

Crafts and Silent Auction at Civic Center

December 7th-15th - Aunt Hattie’s, Zaruba’s and Happy Joe’s are teaming up with Star Gifts for Kids & Elderly Angels. Please Help US FILL A TRUCK! You would be helping local children and senior citizens. Beginning Saturday Dec. 7th, and until Dec. 15th, you can give a NEW, UNWRAPPED gift for a child or a senior citizen. (Types of items needed: Coats, hats, gloves, socks, Slagle's and other gift cards, toys, etc.) You can drop your gift off to our marked "STAR GIFTS FOR KIDS” TRUCK in front of Hattie’s and Zaruba’s on Dec. 7th during Christmas in LeClaire! If you can't come by during Christmas in LeClaire on Dec. 7th, you can drop off gift items to Aunt Hattie's, Zaruba's or Happy Joe’s until Dec. 15th. Help us Fill a Truck!

December 7th - Star Gifts for Kids Trivia Night - The Leclaire Fire StationDoors open at 6:00 pm and trivia will start at 7pm. Cost is $10 per person. All proceeds will go to Star Gifts for Kids! You don’t have to be good at trivia – come for the fun, the raffles and to support this great cause! Contact Barry Long to reserve a table - 563-949-6969 or bal400@aol.com

December 7th - Santa will be at the LeClaire Bierstube1-4pm. Bring a gift to be donated to Star Gifts for Kids and receive a free kid's meal! http://bier-stube.com/

December 7th - CHRISTMAS AT THE CENTER - The Princeton Community Center – 5-8 p.m. Get into the spirit of the holiday season! This special event hosted by the Princeton Community Center Board and the Princeton Players will feature delicious beverages and cookies in a holiday atmosphere. Christmas music and entertainment will be provided by our local theater group, and we even anticipate a visit from Santa Claus! (Santa will be available for photos and visits with the children from 6-7pm) The halls of the Center will be decked with holly. This time for fellowship, entertainment, and good cheer is certain to make your December warmer and brighter! Admission is free – this is Princeton's holiday gift to you and your family!

December 8th – Faithful Pilot - 392 Caffe from Clinton Coffee TakeOver!The Faithful Pilot will be open for lunch as well!

December 31st – Faithful Pilot - New Years Eve - 7 courses includes champagne toast at the end of your meal. Seatings at 6:00 & 8:30 for $100.00 per person (no coupons or discounts) $50.00 for a wine pairing will include 5 glasses of wine per person. Call 563-289-4156 for reservations.

Save the Date

February 1st, 2014 – LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner- Davenport Country Club – more details to come!

FYI

The LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Board has 3 positions coming open. If you have an interest in serving on the Board, please submit your letter of interest to leclairechamber@gmail.com by December 6th.

LeClaire Tourism Manager The LeClaire Tourism Board is now accepting proposals for the tourism management services contract with the City of LeClaire. Anyone interested can view the contract on the city's website at www.lelaireiowa.gov for review. Proposals must be submitted to the Tourism Board before their December 2, 2013 regular meeting.

LeClaire Community Library - Please join us in congratulating Jillian Aschliman on her new position as the LeClaire Community Library Director. Jillian had served as the Interim Director, and we are pleased to have her in her new official position!

LeClaire Antiques and Appraisals current hours are Friday through Mondays 12-4pm or by appointment until Dec. 23.

Faithful Pilot - Every Wednesday 1/2 priced wine night with Chef’s Tapas menu to go along side. Don't forget to book all of your holiday parties with The Faithful Pilot or bring Chef Robert into your home and let us cater your holiday event! Now open for lunch, 12-2, Wed-Sat.

"Something NEW” at the LeClaire Civic Club – BUNCO! Every third Tuesday from10:00 AM through 12:30PM! Call Debbie for details - 563-289-4458.

Buffalo Bill Museum Expansion “It's an exciting time in the museum's almost 57 year history,” said Robert Schiffke, Executive Director of the Buffalo Bill Museum & River Pilots' Pier, “as we start another expansion of our facility.” The women who were members of the LeClaire Women's Club, who founded the museum in 1957, wouldn't recognize the building today, but they would see many of the items first exhibited in its original location at 114 North Cody Road, LeClaire. Included will be an Archival Workroom allowing careful access to the museum's extensive print and photograph collection, a ”hands on” classroom for children visiting the museum, and exhibits that highlight LeClaire's role in the region's economic growth through its shipyards, button factories, and river pilots who opened the region to river commerce. An architectural drawing of the expansion is available for public view at the museum during regular hours, and donations towards the expansion are being accepted. “We appreciate the support of the community in this project, and donations of artifacts and funds are always welcome. We are truly a community institution, and volunteers have grown the museum into the LeClaire landmark that it is today” said Connie Curlott, President of the Board of Directors. The museum is open 9am – 4pm, Mon.-Saturday; 12noon – 4pm, Sundays. Call 563-289-5580 for more information or to donate to the

Park Run Apartments/Newbury Living complex - 1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms Available - 1701 Iowa Drive, LeClaire, Iowa 52753. Washer & dryers in every unit along with all other appliances. Each apartment has either a balcony or a patio. Considerable storage in each 1 BR, 2 BR or 3 BR unit. Call (563) 289-5159 for a tour and more information today!

Do you have Residential or Commercial property available?If you own residential rental property or commercial property that is available for lease or sale in the greater LeClaire region, please contact the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, leclairechamber@gmail.com, with a property description, complete contact information including phone numbers and rental or purchase pricing. As a service to the community, we would like to have the information available so we can share the most up-to-date information on our website! www.leclairechamber.com

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

Primitive Cottage is collecting food for the Princeton Presbyterian Church's Food Pantry which is in great need of food donations. They have helped alot of people, and now they need our help. Donations can be dropped off at Primitive Cottage in LeClaire. Please check the expiration date on items because anything that has expired can't be given away.

First PresbyterianChurch of LeClaire Meals for Seniors at the church every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12 noon. Good food and a time to visit with others. Please call 563-289-3646 and make a reservation 2 days in advance.

Chamber 2013 Networking Events – Everyone welcome to attend!

December 10th - Hungry Hobo - lunch – noon

]]>rick@rcreader.com (LeClaire Chamber of Commerce)Local EventsFri, 22 Nov 2013 17:52:55 +0000Iowa Secretary of State to speak to Davenport Rotary on Nov. 25http://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/iowa-secretary-of-state-to-speak-to-davenport-rotary-on-nov-25/
http://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/iowa-secretary-of-state-to-speak-to-davenport-rotary-on-nov-25/Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz (http://sos.iowa.gov) will speak to the Rotary Club of Davenport on Monday, November 25. His topic will be the Business Services division of the Secretary of State’s office.

Mr. Schultz will be available following the meeting for questions.

From the Secretary of State’s website:

Matt Schultz was elected to office in 2010 as the youngest secretary of state in the country, and is currently serving his first term as Iowa Secretary of State. He was first elected to public office in 2005 as a city councilman in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he was re-elected and served for a total of five years.

Secretary Schultz has focused on streamlining business services, including a new statewide lien registration system, and advocating for the integrity of the elections process. He supports a voter identification law in Iowa, and has been pro-active in maintaining clean and accurate voter registration records in the state. Schultz has also worked to increase ease of access to voting for active members of the military from Iowa.

Secretary Schultz has established two new programs aimed at increasing voter participation in Iowa. Rock Iowa, which is a partnership with the nationally-recognized Rock the Vote organization, is an interactive class-based program for high school seniors to help educate them about the electoral process and encourage them to register to vote. Honor a Veteran with Your Vote is a program that encourages participants to register and vote to honor the sacrifices service men and women have made for our country. There is also a permanent online tribute page for participants to honor past or present military personnel.

Secretary Schultz is currently serving as Co-Chair of the Standing Committee on Voter Participation for the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS).

Secretary Schultz is a graduate of BYU-Idaho, the University of Iowa, and the Law School at Creighton University. He practiced law in Council Bluffs before being elected Iowa Secretary of State.

Schultz grew up in West Des Moines and is an Eagle Scout. He is active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and served a two-year mission in Argentina. He and his wife, Zola, reside in Madison County with their five children.

What better way to prepare yourself for the most wonderful time of the year than by attending the Quad City Arts Festival of Trees! Kick off the week-long event the right way and head to the Holiday Parade on Saturday at 10:15 a.m. Now's your chance to see the largest helium-balloon parade in the Midwest. Make sure to fill up on Breakfast with Santa beforehand! Stop on by the Figge afterward and check out the latest exhibitions and interactive family galleries for free in honor of the Festival of Trees Free Day.

In need of some holiday gifts? Look no further than Downtown Davenport! Partake in the Downtown Davenport Holiday Shopping extravaganza December 6, 7, and 8, and explore all of the shopping options available this holiday season. Find unique gifts ranging from fair trade items, locally-brewed beer, specialty chocolates, handcrafted pieces of art, and more! Bring along your downtown passport and have retailers sign it. Those of you who visit at least five businesses will be entered into a gift certificate drawing for places including Salon Static, Mac's Tavern, and others!

The Adler Theatre has quite the line up of events this weekend! Tonight, watch live cake and cupcake decorating demonstrations by TV's infamous baker, Buddy Valastro: the Cake Boss! For you Beatles fans, 1964 The Tribute takes the stage tomorrow. You won't want to miss this performance by the world's best Beatles Tribute band. Looking for more? Enjoy two days of Burleque fun on Saturday and Sunday with a "Shimmy Baby Shakeoff" show, a VIP after party, and "Please, Have Mercy" awards during the Iowa Burlesque Festival.

The elves have been hard at work to make Mac's look like a winter wonderland this season! Stop by Mac's Tavern before or after the parade on Saturday for some coffee, hot chocolate, and other tasty beverages. Their staff put major effort in to some magnificent Christmas decorations, so stop in and get in the holiday spirit! Mark your calendar to stop back on Thanksgiving before the Turkey Trot for warm or cold beverages, too.

Tomorrow, kick back and enjoy some original roots-rock when King of the Tramps takes the stage at the River Music Experience. Venture back on Saturday for a night of salsa music in the Redstone Room when Orquesta Son Del Tumbao performs some of the hottest Latin music in town. Come out early to learn some salsa dancing secrets before the show so you can dance the night away!

Introduce your taste buds to some holiday flavors at Great River Brewery tomorrow at the Imperial Gingerbread Stout Tapping. Stick around for the after party, too! Head to Barrel House 211 tonight for their new Wine-tini Thursdays. Grab some dinner and take advantage of some great deals, like 1/2 price bottles of wine or 1/2 price martinis!

]]>rick@rcreader.com (Downtown Davenport Partnership)Local EventsFri, 22 Nov 2013 17:45:35 +0000BANDITS' FREE INDOOR FROST FEST IS DEC. 15http://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/bandits-free-indoor-frost-fest-is-dec-15/
http://www.rcreader.com/news-releases/bandits-free-indoor-frost-fest-is-dec-15/DAVENPORT, Iowa (NOV. 21, 2013) – The Quad Cities River Bandits will again invite fans, families and friends inside for a day of holiday savings and fun activities at the sixth annual indoor Frost Fest, a free open house set for Sunday, Dec. 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Modern Woodmen Park.

The family fun will include games, arts and crafts, holiday cooking, a movie showing, and a visit from Rascal the River Bandit. Admission is free to the indoor Frost Fest, although the River Bandits encourage donations, all of which benefit the Bandit Scholars Program, which pays the entire first year of college tuition for two Quad Cities area students.

"The River Bandits enjoy the chance to host events year-round at Modern Woodmen Park, and we especially love to warm up the winter by welcoming the community inside for a free event and day of family-friendly fun," said team co-owner Dave Heller. "The many unique activities make for a fantastic holiday celebration to contribute to the great cause of the Bandit Scholars Program."

Among the activity options in the sports lounge and suite level will be a bounce house in the Sky Deck and a new photo booth for families to take pictures. There will also be cookie decorating and a special opportunity to make winter ice cream from snow at 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.

Throughout the indoor Frost Fest, the River Bandits team store will be open with special deals on merchandise and holiday gifts. Children can join the River Bandits Kids Club at a special rate for the upcoming season, and fans can purchase or renew their season ticket plans – with new lower prices – for 2014. Account representatives will also be available to answer questions about ticket plans and group outings.

"From holiday shopping to all the activities for the kids, the indoor Frost Fest will be great for the whole family," said General Manager Andrew Chesser. "As we remember a championship season and prepare for another, we are excited to celebrate the holidays with the Quad Cities community inside the ballpark!"

The River Bandits, the Class-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, will open the 2014 season at Modern Woodmen Park Thursday, April 3. A full schedule of home and road games for 2014 is available at www.riverbandits.com, and ticket plans for the 2014 season are now on sale.

UP NEXT: Join the River Bandits for a free day of holiday fun and activities at Modern Woodmen Park, Sunday, Dec. 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a chance for holiday shopping, activities and indoor fun at the ballpark. To order ticket plans – with new lower prices – for next season, call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000 or visit www.riverbandits.com to download the season ticket order form. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest’s winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for this spring, along with a carousel, a new ride called a “Drop and Twist,” and many other new games and attractions. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 300-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. The team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, just saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs – the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.